Are Crop Circles A Hoax?

There is a misconception that crop circles began being spotted in the 1970s, but these designs actually date back to the 17th century (the first crop circle for which there is evidence appeared in Hertfordshire in 1678), when over 200 cases were reported.

And as with any unsolved mystery, people love to theorize and come up with possible explanations, trying to bring some logic to something that can hardly be explained with conventional science. As is the case with the construction of the pyramids and the supposed existence of ghosts, for example, people love to delve into the unknown and believe in the powers that be.

But what's even more encouraging for these believers is the fact that some scientific research dismisses the possibility that humans created the crop circles. An analysis of the soil within the circles shows more magnetic iron compounds than outside.

Some researchers also theorized that plasma vortices have been found at the source of the circles, which would create a relation between the designs, ancient religious symbols and mathematics.

Many people claim that they are the missing link that can help solve the mystery. Be it via testimonials of actual eyewitnesses or scientific findings and documentaries, the ongoing interest to understand these stranger than fiction designs is still in full swing.

But much of the debate actually stems from the nature of these sometimes-intricate crop designs. Are they the creation of human beings, or the handy work of aliens trying to communicate a message? Therein lies the million-dollar question.

With groups such as the Circle Makers and the like now taking credit for many of the circles, hoaxers are trying to add more mystery to their creations by delving into religious beliefs and supernatural phenomena, turning this practice into a virtual underground form of expression, and securing its interest for years to come.

Whether you want to believe that these circles are the creations of two old men, some organized group, natural weather vortexing, or aliens in their UFOs, the fact remains that crop circles do in fact exist.

But so long as there is interest from researchers and the media, expect to see these crop circles pop up for many years to come. And now that crop circles have been placed in the big-budget movie Signs , don't be surprised to see an increase in the number of reported crop circle sightings.

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